Key Takeaways
1. Design and Durability: The JBL Flip 7 maintains the cylindrical design of previous models and features an improved IP68 waterproof rating, making it dustproof and submersible for up to 30 minutes.
2. Enhanced Sound Performance: The Flip 7 introduces AI-driven audio tuning with the JBL AI Sound Boost algorithm, providing a more balanced and engaging listening experience compared to earlier models.
3. Improved Battery Life: The Flip 7 offers around 14 hours of playtime, an increase from the 12 hours of the Flip 6 and Flip 5, enhancing usability for outdoor activities.
4. Upgraded Connectivity: It includes Bluetooth 5.4 for better range and stability, along with support for JBL’s PartyBoost feature, allowing pairing with other compatible JBL speakers.
5. Upgrade Consideration: The Flip 7 is a worthwhile upgrade for Flip 5 users due to significant enhancements, while Flip 6 users may not find the differences compelling enough to switch.
JBL’s Flip series has long been a popular choice for portable Bluetooth speakers, recognized for its excellent sound and durability in a compact package. The most recent model, the Flip 7, adheres to this successful approach while incorporating some enhancements. If you have a Flip 6—or even a Flip 5—you might wonder if upgrading is worth it, or if this is just another minor update. Let’s explore this further.
Design Features
When examining the Flip 7, it’s evident that JBL chose to stick with a successful design. The cylindrical shape remains, along with the rubberized passive radiators at both ends, all wrapped in the same tough fabric mesh. In terms of size, it’s quite similar to the Flip 6, remaining lightweight and highly portable, which is a key selling point for the Flip series. When placed next to the Flip 5, the differences in size are hardly noticeable.
One improvement is in waterproofing. The Flip 7 boasts an IP68 rating, making it completely dustproof and able to withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. This is a significant enhancement over the Flip 6’s IP67 rating and a notable upgrade from the Flip 5’s IPX7 rating that only provided water resistance without dust protection. JBL continues to prioritize durability, which is excellent for anyone planning to use this speaker outside.
Sound Performance
Sound quality is crucial for any speaker, and JBL has been enhancing the Flip series for years. The Flip 5 offered a decent audio experience with its single-driver system, ensuring clarity and dynamism across various music styles. The Flip 6 advanced this with a separate tweeter and woofer, achieving better balance in sound frequencies.
Now, with the Flip 7, JBL is advancing the series further with AI-driven audio tuning. It features a new JBL AI Sound Boost algorithm that adjusts sound in real-time based on what you’re hearing. Internally, it includes a high-performance acoustic chamber, an independent tweeter, a racetrack-shaped mid-bass driver, and dual passive radiators, promising a deeper and more engaging listening experience.
Battery and Connectivity
Battery life has always been a strong point for JBL, and the Flip 7 sees a small but appreciated increase. The Flip 6 offered around 12 hours of playtime—matching the Flip 5—but the Flip 7 extends this to about 14 hours. While this isn’t a huge jump, every extra hour counts during long outdoor activities.
Charging continues to use USB-C, without any improvements in charging speed. While the absence of wireless charging isn’t a dealbreaker, it is a minor drawback, especially as some competitors begin to offer it.
JBL has made a small yet significant upgrade in connectivity with the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 in the Flip 7. This should enhance both range and stability compared to the Flip 6’s Bluetooth 5.1 and the Flip 5’s Bluetooth 4.2. If you’ve experienced connection issues when moving your phone away from the speaker, these should occur less frequently.
The Flip 7 also supports JBL’s PartyBoost feature, enabling pairing with other JBL speakers. However, this feature isn’t new, as it was available with the Flip 6 and Flip 5 too. If you own older PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers, you can still connect them with the Flip 7.
Should You Make the Switch?
If you currently have the Flip 5, the Flip 7 presents enough enhancements to justify an upgrade. You’ll benefit from improved sound quality, better connectivity, a slight increase in battery life, and enhanced durability.
On the other hand, for those with the Flip 6, the differences aren’t as significant. The audio upgrades and battery improvements are minor, and while having Bluetooth 5.4 is nice, it won’t drastically impact your experience. If your Flip 6 is functioning well, there’s no rush to switch to the Flip 7.
Conclusion
The JBL Flip 7 is more of an evolutionary upgrade than a revolutionary one. It fine-tunes the elements that have made the Flip series successful, but it doesn’t bring about major transformations. If you’re looking for a new portable speaker and don’t already possess the Flip 6, this is a straightforward recommendation.